Ralph Sidney Pierson, Jr. 87, of Columbia, passed away on April 6, 2023. Born in Port Jervis, New York, on April 20, 1935, he was a son of the late Ralph Sidney Pierson Sr. and Doris Mathes.
Mr. Pierson proudly served in the Air Force and later earned his degree from Orange County Technical College He traveled down several career paths and found his passion in being a pilot for the Richland County Sheriff's Department until his retirement at the age of 83 .His passion for flying and serving the community was lived out in his career at Richland County. He enjoyed hunting, sailing, and reading. Mr. Pierson had a passion for trains, art, and was an avid hunter for arrowheads with his friend Jim Catoe.

Mr. Pierson was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winnsboro where he shared his love for the Lord through teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. He loved the Lord, his family and The University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Survivors include his children, Anna Pierson Downs, Ralph Sidney Pierson III (Carla), David Woodrow Pierson, Pamela Lynn Sloan (Andy); grandchildren, Lori Anna McCarver (Phillip), Timothy Justin Downs (Beth), Amanda Lynn Pierson, Hunner Travis Mancil; great grandchildren, Aubrey Hope Downs, Emsley Carter McCarver, Elsie (Ella) Elizabeth Downs; brother, Milton Pierson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Pierson was preceded in death by his sister, Diana Wuff; and brother, Wayne Pierson.

The family of Mr. Pierson would like to express their heartfelt gratitude towards Dr. Anne Hutchison and South Carolina Oncology Associates. A special thanks to Laverne and the staff of Merrill Gardens and to Crystal, Iesha, and Mike and the staff of Agape Hospice.

The funeral service for Mr. Pierson will be held at 1 o'clock on Thursday, April 13th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 12th, from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Carolina Oncology Associates, 166 Stoneridge Dr #100, Columbia, SC.